What’s Wrong With Fish?

The fishing industry kills more animals than any other industry on the planet. Every year approximately 2.7 trillion fish are pulled from our oceans. Due to the global demand for fish and the industrialization of fishing, our oceans are rapidly being depleted. Because of this, scientists now predict that we could have fishless oceans by the year 2048.

For every 1 lb of caught fish, up to 5 lb of unintended species are captured then discarded as by-kill. It is estimated that up to 40% of the fish caught globally per year are discarded. In the past 50 years 90% of large fish populations are now extinct. With fishing being the leading cause of species extinction. Approximately 650,000 cetaceans (dolphins, whales and porpoises) and pinnipeds (seals) are killed each year by fishing vessels.

People often wrongly believe that fish don’t feel pain and therefore do not suffer. However, that is far from true. Fish have a central nervous system which means they do in fact feel pain. Fisherman usually slaughter fish without any regard for their welfare. Unlike land animals, fish are denied the most basic protection rights and welfare standards. Many fish are sliced open, skinned or have their fins cut off whilst they are still alive and conscious. Fish are also often left to slowly suffocate. They die slowly and painfully.

In addition, when fish are pulled out of deep waters they often suffer from rapid decompression. Which can result in ruptured swim bladders, their eyes being forced out of their heads or their internal organs being forced out of their mouths. Strangely, a large majority of people don’t even consider fish to be animals. Even though they have skin, bones, internal organs and bleed just like humans and other land animals. Just because they have gills, fins, scales and don’t communicate the same way that other animals communicate; that doesn’t mean that they don’t deserve the right to live and be treated with respect.

Commercial fishing has caused devastating damage to marine life and marine ecosystems. Fish often live in water that has been contaminated with radioactivity (due to nuclear attacks and nuclear testing), heavy metals, sewage and agriculture run-off (livestock waste & pesticides). Due to this, these toxic contaminants are absorbed in their bodies and can be passed down to anyone that consumes their flesh. People that consume fish are likely to be exposed to mercury – which can cause major health issues.

If you care about the future of the planet and the lives of animals, then stop consuming fish and seafood. The fishing industry is responsible for the murder of trillions of sentient beings and destroying our oceans. Stand against this destructive industry and choose a life of compassion.